Tian Tian Chicken Rice: The Crown Jewel of Maxwell Food Centre

Chicken Rice is the dish that immediately comes to mind when thinking of Singapore’s iconic cuisine. The national dish, featuring tender chicken served with rice cooked in its broth, has long been a local favourite for its delicious flavour and affordability.

 

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Best Chicken Rice in Town


Must-Try at Maxwell Food Centre

Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice is a household name, appearing in almost every guidebook. Among the many chicken rice stalls in Singapore, this one is often hailed by local foodies as the best in town.

Exterior of Maxwell Food Centre

The stall is located inside Maxwell Food Centre, a popular hawker centre in Chinatown.

From Chinatown MRT station, walk down Pagoda Street, turn right, and after a short walk along South Bridge Road, Maxwell Food Centre is on the opposite side of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.

 

Look for the Longest Queue

In the bustling hawker centre with almost 100 stalls, spotting Tian Tian may seem like a challenge at first, but don’t worry.

Inside Maxwell Food Centre, a well-known hawker centre in Chinatown

Simply keep an eye out for the longest queue – that’s your best bet. You’ll spot Tian Tian’s blue sign with its name in no time.

Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, famed for serving Singapore’s best chicken rice

Their stall is made up of two connected units. Place your order on the right and pick it up from the left.

 

Simple Menu & Affordable Price

The menu here is simple, offering Hainanese chicken rice in three sizes—small, medium, and large.
Prices have gone up over the years, and as of 2024, the prices are as follows:

  • S (Small): $5
  • M (Medium): $6
  • L (Large): $9

In addition to the single portion, you can also order half or a whole chicken, great for sharing. Rice is available separately.

Menu at Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice

While long queues during the lunchtime rush are a sign of this popular stall, don’t let it deter you from joining the line here.

The staff work in perfect sync, handling orders efficiently, ensuring the queue moves quickly.

 

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Ultimate Chicken Rice Worth the Wait


Taste of Michelin Bib Gourmand

Here’s the star of the show: Tian Tian’s famous Chicken Rice.

Tian Tian’s signature chicken rice

Just look at the glistening, silky-smooth chicken – incredibly tender and juicy, served on fluffy rice flavoured with rich chicken broth and a touch of ginger.

What really makes this dish special is the sauce – Tian Tian’s signature blend, boasting a smooth and mellow richness.

Chicken rice at Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice

One bite is all it takes to see why people are happy to queue – no matter how long the line. This dish truly lives up to its reputation as the Best Chicken Rice.

Chicken rice at Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice

Tian Tian has been awarded the Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide Singapore for serving high-quality, reasonably priced dishes, further enhancing its standing.

 

Side Dishes for a Veggie Boost

The menu also features vegetable dishes like Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Oyster Sauce and Bean Sprouts. These are the perfect sides to help balance out the often vegetable-deficient hawker meals.

Stir-fried vegetables at Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice

A must-try dish on any trip to Singapore is the famous chicken rice. If you’re unsure where to go, why not start with Tian Tian and experience the flavours that locals swear by?